Today Mike Pero Real Estate (MPRE) officially opened its first offshore office, in the Cook Islands. The newest national real estate brand in New Zealand, MPRE only began listing homes eight months ago and has already defied the odds given by its …/

Mike Pero Real Estate Expands Into Cook Islands In Time For The New Year

For immediate release: Friday 30th December 2011

Today Mike Pero Real Estate (MPRE) officially opened its first offshore office, in the Cook Islands. The newest national real estate brand in New Zealand, MPRE only began listing homes eight months ago and has already defied the odds given by its industry competitors.

“We’re absolutely delighted with our progress to date and adding our first Pacific Island Office, in Rarotonga, to our 23 franchise operators in New Zealand is a fantastic way to start the New Year,” says Pero.

The Cook Islands was a logical step for Mike Pero, who says being part Pacific Islander had a big influence on the decision to open a branch in Rarotonga. “Seeing how many Kiwis enjoy the island is another factor. I’ve been going there since 1972 and can honestly say it’s my favourite holiday destination.”

In Rarotonga, MPRE will work in with an existing real estate operation, known as Cook Island Real Estate.com Limited. “Carey Winterflood and Peter Heays run an excellent business and have a reputation for their honesty and the quality of their service. They have decided to re-brand and join us as Mike Pero Real Estate – Cook Islands. This means the Mike Pero brand will not only increase its presence up in the ‘Cooks’, but we’ll also be able to promote investment opportunities to Kiwis,” explains Pero. The Mike Pero brand will also extend to home loan advice and funding for Kiwis against their New Zealand homes.

New Zealand currency, a common language and a similar culture make Rarotonga a very popular Pacific destination for Kiwis. “They also like the idea that a four hour flight out of Auckland can land them in a climate often 10-15 degrees warmer in the winter months,” says Pero.

Rarotonga is one of 15 Pacific Islands that form the Cook Island Group, which are positioned about 3000km north nor-east of Auckland. Rarotonga is the capital of the group and is about 32 kilometers in circumference. The island’s main income earner is tourism, with 120,000 visitors each year. Approximately 65% are New Zealanders.

“While there are a number of common factors in law and real estate there are also a number of differences. Our objective is to make property ownership for Kiwis easier – in fact, it’s likely that you can own a Pacific holiday home for much the same cost as one in New Zealand, with prices starting below $500,000. Typically you can buy a $1.5million luxury home, with a beach-front view overlooking a lagoon, so I consider Raro to be excellent value for money. I think it’s one of the best kept secrets,” says Pero.

CEO and founder of the Mike Pero Group, Pero explains that the company’s foundation of more than 80,000 Kiwi homeowners from its mortgage book has been a major component in the extraordinary growth of the real estate company.

“We also appreciate the value of our brand, which Kiwis have embraced for over 20 years. Now we’re into the next generation of customers, who continue to use our mortgage, insurance and now real estate businesses.”

Properties in the Cook Islands will begin appearing on the MPRE website at www.mikepero.com early in the New Year.